Practice your escape plan during Fire Prevention Week

October 2, 2007

Capt. Andrew Marsh of the Mount Oliver Fire Department is reminding all area residents that October 7-13 is Fire Prevention Week. The theme for this year's Fire Prevention Week is Practice Your Escape Plan.

Capt. Marsh said all families should take the time to practice their home fire escape plan and to test the batteries in their smoke alarms every month. Other fire safety tips include:

• Develop a fire escape plan that identifies two ways out of each room and a family meeting place outside.

• Make sure the plan allows for any specific needs in the household. It everyone knows what to do, everyone can get out quickly.

• Practice the plan, at least twice a year.

• Some studies have show that some children and adults may not awaken to the sound of a smoke alarm; they may need help waking up.

• If the smoke alarm sound: Go to the closest exit, aand if there is smoke on the way out, turn and use the second way out. If you must exit through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to the exit. Don't take time to pick up belongings; just get out and help others get out. Move fast but stay calm.

• Install and maintain working smoke alarms on very level; inside each bedroom and outside of each sleeping area.

More information can be picked up at the Mount Oliver Fire Station, 120 Brownsville Road, on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday nights.